Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Arlington is 68% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,275/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 32%
$140,160/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 42%
$864,800 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 50%
$2,414/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 32%
235,463
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $59,071/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Arlington or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $59,071/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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